Home » Layover Guide » Almaty Layover Guide (ALA)

Almaty Layover Guide (ALA)

What are you looking for in ALA?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Almaty Airport (ALA) is an international airport located in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It’s situated about 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Almaty. The airport first opened in 1935. Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and was the country’s capital until 1997. It is known for its stunning mountain views, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant urban life, making it a dynamic destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Can you leave Almaty Airport (ALA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
International transit passengers at Almaty Airport can remain airside visa-free for up to 24 hours but cannot exit the terminal. To leave the airport during a layover, travelers must hold a Kazakhstan entry visa or qualify for visa-free entry (e.g. citizens of 54 countries enjoy 30-day visa-free stays with appropriate documentation). (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Kok-Tobe Hill Enjoy panoramic city views from Kok-Tobe Hill atop a scenic cable car ride boasting amusement attractions, a Beatles monument, and restaurants, offering perfect escape into nature’s tranquility your Almaty layover. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 minutes or take Bus 92 to Republic Square then funicular.)
• Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral Stroll through historic Panfilov Park, admiring its lush greenery and visiting the wooden Ascension Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest timber structures, showcasing exquisite Russian Orthodox architecture in Almaty’s heart. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 92 direct or taxi ~20 minutes.)
• Green Bazaar Experience authentic Kazakh culture at Green Bazaar, sampling local produce, meats, and sweets while browsing lively stalls filled with traditional crafts, creating sensory journey ideal for immersing yourself in Almaty’s life. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 minutes or Bus 92 to Zhibek Zholy & Gogol stop.)
• Central State Museum Delve into Kazakhstan’s rich history at the Central State Museum, exploring extensive archaeological, ethnographic, and natural history exhibits housed within an elegant Soviet-era building that narrates the nation’s cultural evolution. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 92 to Abay Station then walk or taxi ~20 minutes.)
• Republic Square & Independence Monument Visit Republic Square to admire the Independence Monument and flags, surrounded by impressive government buildings and fountains, providing a striking insight into Kazakhstan’s modern identity and political heritage in Almaty’s core. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Bus 92 to Republic Square or taxi ~20 minutes.)
• Arasan Thermal Baths Unwind at Arasan Baths, a luxurious spa complex featuring thermal pools, saunas, and massage services inspired by Central Asian traditions, offering serene rejuvenation and relaxation amid intricately decorated oriental interiors. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 minutes.)
• Medeu Ice Rink & Shymbulak Resort Head to Medeu to skate on the highest ice rink set in a mountain valley, then ascend by cable car to Shymbulak Resort for stunning alpine scenery, walks above Almaty. (Time required: 3–4 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 minutes.)
• Almaty Metro Art Tour Explore Almaty Metro stations, adorned with colorful mosaics, sculptures, and ornate pillars, providing an underground art gallery experience that uniquely reflects Kazakhstan’s cultural and Soviet heritage in a city tour. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 92 to Zhibek Zholy then metro or taxi ~20 minutes.)

Things to Do in Almaty Airport (ALA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Almaty International offers two pay-in and complimentary lounges in the international departure area. Both feature comfortable seating, workstations, complimentary snacks and beverages, flight-status screens and free Wi-Fi. Opening hours align with flight schedules. Access is via business-class ticket, membership program or day-pass purchase at reception. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There’s no on-site hotel, but a transit rest-area in the departure zone provides private cabins bookable by the hour. For longer stays, several branded hotels (Ibis, Holiday Inn) lie within two kilometres. Complimentary shuttles run on schedule, or taxis take five minutes. Reservation is recommended for guaranteed availability. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
A guarded quiet zone near Gates 5–8 offers reclining loungers, power outlets and low-lighting for napping. Free water stations and vending machines stand nearby. Seating areas are separated by partitions for privacy. The facility closes late at night for cleaning, so plan rest breaks around peak operational hours.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free high-speed Wi-Fi covers all terminals. Simply select “Airport_Free_WiFi” and register with email or phone number for a 30-minute session. Unlimited access passes are purchasable via the portal. Ethernet kiosks and USB charging points are distributed throughout departure lounges and public halls, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

SIM/eSIM Card: Tourists can buy local SIM cards on arrival from kiosks near baggage claim. Major operators (Beeline, Kcell, Tele2) offer prepaid plans from 500 KZT, including data, minutes and SMS. eSIM packages are available online before travel for immediate activation. Identification (passport copy) is required for registration. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxi counters sit just outside arrivals. Flat-rate transfers to central Almaty cost about 4 000 KZT. Ride-hailing apps (Yandex.Taxi, InDrive) offer discounts but verify car details before boarding. All vehicles are metered or fixed-fare; luggage assistance and bilingual drivers may incur nominal surcharges.

Train: There’s no rail link at the terminal. Instead, take city bus No. 92 or night line 3 to “Sayakhat” stop beside Almaty-2 station for intercity and suburban trains. Tickets can be booked via the official Tickets.kz portal (more info). Travel time from airport is roughly 45 minutes.

Bus: City buses No. 92 and night line 3 run between airport and central Almaty, stopping at Sayakhat and Republic Square. Cash fare is 150 KZT; Onay transport card holders pay 80 KZT. Buses depart every 15–30 minutes during daytime and hourly at night. Stops are located outside the domestic terminal (more info).

Shuttle: Several hotels and private operators run scheduled shuttle vans between the airport and major hotels or downtown pick-up points. Booking is normally done in advance via hotel concierge or tour operator. Courtesy transfers for loyalty members are complimentary; paid shuttles cost about 1 500 KZT per person one-way.

Car rentals: Multiple international and local rental agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) have desks in the arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs and VIP sedans. Pre-booking online secures best rates; on-site rentals incur higher walk-in fees. Insurance and GPS add-ons are available for an extra daily charge. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking garages sit adjacent to the terminal. The first 30 minutes are free; thereafter rates start at 100 KZT per hour. Daily maximums apply. Electric-vehicle charging stations and disabled-access spaces are available. Payment is by cash, card or via mobile app at exit terminals.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Secure left-luggage service operates beside the information desk in the arrivals area. Standard rates are around 200 KZT per hour or 1 000 KZT per day. Lockers are not available, but staff-assisted storage ensures round-the-clock access. Retrieval requires the deposit ticket and valid ID. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Almaty Airport (ALA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks